2026 Design Awards Announced

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2026 Design Awards. These honors celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design. Within each award category, consideration was given to sustainability, affordability, social impact, innovation, durability, addressing the natural and built context, and meeting the client’s specific needs.

From a field of 126 entries, only 30 were selected by the jury for recognition. These few projects stood above the rest and were particularly notable. Awards of Merit are presented to those projects worthy of recognition and an Award of Honor is reserved for those projects deemed by the jury to be truly exceptional. Consideration is given to aesthetics, social impact, innovation, context, performance, and stewardship of the natural environment — with particular emphasis on the Framework for Design Excellence.

Celebrate these winning designs and designers at Visions for Architecture, the evening of November 5th at the Downtown Richmond Marriott. Purchase Your Tickets starting September 1st.

In the ARCHITECTURE category

In their deliberations, the jury considers aesthetics, adherence to the client program, proven and projected building performance, and concept development.

Award of Honor

College of William and Mary Fine and Performing Arts Center (Williamsburg, Va.)

Design Architect: HGA
Architect of Record: Moseley
Contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Photographer: Albert Vercerka, Esto

Jury Comments: 

“The Performing Arts Center is a beautiful addition to the historic William & Mary campus, which began with the completion of the Wren Building in 1695. The renovation and addition are respectful of the historic campus while being forward-thinking and distinctly modern. Also appreciated are the monolithic walls at the front of the building which, when seen from the short side, pay homage to the proportions of the pilasters of Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall that the new addition masks. These freestanding elements invite the visitor into a well-protected courtyard design that serves as a gathering place before entering one of three theaters: the Studio Theater, the Mainstage Theater, or the Dance Recital. The design team took stock of the existing materials at the front of the building—utilizing motifs of the campus architecture—and melded them with the arts complex’s contemporary requirements. The red and dark brick taken from the Wren Building is a nice way to tie the structure back to the campus.” “This is a particularly thoughtful and considered addition to an historic campus. The project elegantly combines the thorough renovation of an existing performing arts venue while presenting an unabashedly contemporary façade. The subtle alignment of new brick pier/walls with existing structure behind offers a modern edifice worthy of our highest honors.”

Awards of Merit

Contemplative Commons at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Va.)

Design Architect: Aidlin Darling Design
Architect of Record: VMDO Architects, P.C.
Contractor: Hourigan Group
Photographer: Matthew Millman

Jury Comments: 

"This is a well-designed building—one that should serve as an example for student amenity buildings on other campuses of higher education. The building's biophilic expressions through its views, internal space, and choice of materials play well to reinforce biophilia. As such, the building's mission of creating a place of health and wellness is accomplished. The integration of stone, structural timber, and black-painted steel complements the ubiquitous red brick found throughout the University of Virginia campus. The building is beautifully sited to take in the natural environment of the pond and surrounding hills and trees." “This building presents a wonderful interplay of inside, outside, and in-between. Its spatial structure embraces both the campus landscape beyond as well as the social lives of campus residents. The project integrates ecological function, biodiversity, and human experience in a well-composed, yet ultimately modest, framework.”

Madera Cyber Innovation Center (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Architect: Clark Nexsen
Design Architect: AECOM
Contractor: Bryan Construction, Inc.
Photographer: Mark Herboth Photography LLC

Jury Comments:

“The Madera Cyber Innovation Center is befitting the tradition of the Air Force Academy, harkening back to the mid-century modern design of the era when the academy got its first start. It represents the technological advancement that is so closely associated with the U.S. Air Force.” “This building is an enlightened addition to the historic Air Force Academy campus. The project accommodates state of the art facilities while seamlessly fitting into the Netsch/SOM campus framework. It is both historically literate while absolutely of its own time. Well done.”

VGXI Headquarters + Biomanufacturing Facility (Conroe, Texas)

Architect: Hanbury
Contractor: BE&K Building Group
Photography: Keith Isaacs Photography & Hanbury

Jury Comments:

“The VGXI Headquarters + Biomanufacturing Facility looks like it was built with Swiss precision. The steel and concrete are well detailed. The chamfering at the linear windows and ribbed panels adds a scale and texture to create visual interest. The construction method utilizes the same technology —tilt-up concrete construction, employed by warehouses across America. The headquarters and manufacturing facility’s highly detailed tilt-up panels are where this building distinguishes itself. It can teach many a warehouse designer that there is much that can be done to create interesting building facades for ordinary warehouse structures.” “This project derives a potent architectural language from the base materials and humble aspirations of industrial structures. The design finds novel expression from its concrete structure while bringing light and inspiration into what could otherwise have been another semi-disposable industrial facility. This project is much better than it should be given the context and precedent for this sort of building.”

Honorable Mention

Elizabeth River Project — Ryan Resilience Lab (Norfolk, Va.)

Architect: Work Program Architects
Contractor: Hourigan Construction Group
Photographer: Yuzhu Zheng Photography

Jury Comments:

"The Ryan Resilience Lab gets high marks for meeting the best practices defined by the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence. It checks the boxes for Design Integration, Equitable Community, Ecosystems, Water Utilization, Economy, Energy, Well-being, Resources, Change, and Discovery. It demonstrates responsible utilization of resources, resilience, sustainability, and ecological stewardship. The building integrates rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, green infrastructure, living shorelines, and restored wetlands that model practical resilience strategies for coastal communities. The project is located on a restored brownfield and models how communities can live with, rather than retreat from, rising seas. As a hub for education, it teaches appreciation for the natural environment and seeks to educate the public about nature and to learn how to work with the forces of nature.” “This project squeezes an extraordinary array of experiences and opportunities from a relatively modest size and site. It is equally didactic and inspirational. At once urbane and ecological, this little building that could points us all toward more resilient futures.”

In the CONTEXTUAL DESIGN category

The awards for contextual design are chosen based on outstanding architecture that perceptibly reflects the history, culture, and physical environment of the place in which it stands and that, in turn, contributes to the function, beauty, and meaning of its larger context.

Awards of Merit

Cibolo Creek House (Boerne, Texas)

Architect: ARCHITECTUREFIRM
Contractor: Mattern & Fitzgerald Custom Builders
Photographer: Joel B. Sanders Agency

Jury Comments:

Third Street Station (Roanoke, Va.)

Architect: Spectrum Design, PC
Contractor: MB Contractors
Photographer: Boyd Pearman Photography

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mentions

Shepherdstown Grandparents' House (Shepherdstown, WV)

Architect: Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.
Contractor: W. Harley Miller Contractors, Inc.
Photographer: Prakash Patel Photography

Jury Comments:

TB Smith Community Center (Richmond, Va.)

Architect: Baskervill
Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Photographer: Sam Kittner

Jury Comments:

In the Extended Use: ADAPTIVE or CONTINUED USE category

Projects submitted in this category should include either a renovation within an existing building or new construction that expands an existing structure or site. This award intends to recognize thoughtful interventions that create synergy between old and new construction, improve functionality and energy efficiency, meet contemporary standards for comfort and utility, and/or capitalize on the embodied energy of an existing structure.

Award of Honor

Hempstead House (Bethesda, Md.)

Architect: Robert M Gurney, FAIA, Architect
Contractor: DAKS Builders
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments:

Awards of Merit 

Mountaintop Montessori Middle School (Charlottesville, Va.)

Architect: BRW Architects
Contractor: Abrahamse & Company Builders
Photographers: John Fitts and Lincoln Barber

Jury Comments:

National Air and Space Museum (Washington, DC)

Architect: Quinn Evans
Contractor: Clark/Smoot/Consigli, A Joint Venture
Photographer: Brad Feinknopf and Joseph Romeo

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mentions

Oyster-Adams Bilingual School (Washington, DC)

Architect: StudioMB Architects
Contractor: Consigli Construction
Photographer: Joseph Romeo

Jury Comments:

The Accolade (Washington, DC)

Architect: WDG Architecture
Contractor: Clark Construction
Photographer: Ron Blunt Studio

Jury Comments:

In the HISTORIC PRESERVATION category

The historic preservation category focuses specifically on excellence in strategies, tactics, and technologies that advance the art, craft, and science of preserving historically significant buildings and sites. The jury takes into consideration adherence to local, state, and national criteria for historic preservation.

Award of Merit

Wren Building Restoration (Williamsburg, Va.)

Architect: Glavé & Holmes Architecture
Contractor: Grunley Construction Company
Photographer: David Lamb Photography

Jury Comments:

In the INTERIOR DESIGN category

Interior design projects are judged on mastery of composition, functionality, material and color palettes, and well-integrated adherence to the highest levels of accessibility, health and safety, environmental, and occupant-comfort considerations, standards, and regulations.

Awards of Merit

Maeve Raleigh (Raleigh, NC)

Architect: ARCHITECTUREFIRM
Contractor: W.M. Jordan
Photographer: Sterling E. Stevens

Jury Comments:

MARTIN* 3West (Richmond, Va.)

Architect: 3North
Contractor: Kjellstrom & Lee
Photographers: Yuzhu Zheng and Craig Hutson

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mention

Virginia Tech Creativity and Innovation District Living Learning Community (CID) (Blacksburg, Va.)

Architect: Hanbury
Contractor: W.M. Jordan Company
Photographers: Keith Isaacs and Jordan Gray

Jury Comments:

In the RESIDENTIAL DESIGN category

Aesthetic appeal and functionality are two long-established criteria for home design, as are affordability and resource efficiency. The jury looks at each submission in its totality toward meeting those goals.

Award of Honor

Terraces East (Arlington, Va.)

Architect: Cunningham Quill Architects, PLLC
Contractor: Harkins Builders Inc.
Photographer: Allen Russ Photography

Jury Comments:

Awards of Merit

Ballston Duplex (Arlington, Va.)

Architect: Teass \ Warren Architects
Contractor: MAACH Construction
Photographer: Kate Wichlinski

Jury Comments:

Gloucester House (Gloucester County, Va.)

Architect: ARCHITECTUREFIRM
Contractor: Connemara Corporation
Photographer: Joel B. Sanders Agency

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mentions

Exeter Road House (Bethesda, Md.)

Architect: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect
Contractor: Potomac Valley Builders
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments:

Ocean Sundial (South Bethany, Del.)

Architect: Donald Lococo Architects
Contractor: Shay Gallo Construction
Photographer: Studio HDP, Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments:

Spring Mill House (McLean, Va.)

Architect: Robert M Gurney, FAIA, Architect
Contractor: Thinkmakebuild
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments:

In the SMALL PROJECTS category

Design excellence can be achieved, no matter the size or scope of a project. These awards celebrate projects with modest budgets that have a substantial impact. Small Project Awards are given in three categories, offering opportunities for recognition to a wide range of project sizes and budgets. All projects must demonstrate design achievement, including how the project fits into its environment and how the project connects to the Framework for Design Excellence.

Projects under 5,000 Square Feet

Award of Honor

Otis LW (Richmond, Va.)

Architect: Two Street Studio
Contractor: Clancy & Theys
Photographer: Two Street Studio

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mentions

Charlottesville Studio (Charlottesville, Va.)

Architect: Point Office LLC
Contractor: Green Mountain Construction
Photographer: Keith Isaacs Photo

Jury Comments:

Pied-à-Mer (Washington, DC)

Architect: StudioMB
Contractor: Edgewater Projects
Photographer: Paul Warchol

Jury Comments:

Projects Up to $150K    

Honorable Mention

Sheets and Slabs (Charlottesville, Va.)

Architect: After Architecture
Contractor: Before Building Laboratory
Photographer: After Architecture

Jury Comments:

In the UNBUILT WORK category

Unbuilt work was considered, as long as it was commissioned by a client as opposed to hypothetical work completed in the mode of research or academic training.

Award of Merit

Virginia African American Cultural Center (Virginia Beach, Va.)

Architect: Hanbury

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mention

Artist Collective Spartanburg Renovation and Expansion (Spartanburg, SC)

Architect: Seth McDowell Architect, pllc

Jury Comments: